I AM A BON DANCER w/ Brandi uyemura

Dancing for Our Ancestors

Join Brandi and me as we chat debut life, honoring ancestors, the power of support and having a story that resonates with passion, and more! What a great conversation!

I AM A BON DANCER

I AM A BON DANCER is a story of culture, honoring our ancestors, and the importance of family stories and remembering. It is also a story of not letting fear have the final say, of not allowing fear to silence our voice or convince us that we are not able, not worthy, or any of the other lies it tells us.  Yes, it is also the story of a specific religious observance of a specific culture -- the Obon Festival in the Buddhist tradition.  But it is so much more than that, and it has applications that reach far beyond that. It is a story that can remind any of us that our ancestors deserve to be remembered well, and that it is our responsibility, and we cannot -- must not --let fear rob us of the privilege or the responsibility.  The illustrations add so much to the story. They are simple, but never simplistic. They have the beautiful flair of Eastern illustration -- with the bold black lines, but the spread that is simply the layers of hands of the generations dancing is absolutely beautiful in conjunction with Brandi's words. It's a beautiful marriage of text and illustration -- and one that can have vast meaning for all of us!

​​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Tankobushi -- The Coal Miners' Song

​If you'd like to use this with your kids or your classes, here is the significance of the motions.  There are additional bon dances and tutorials in the YouTube playlist if this video is not to your liking or if you prefer something for older kids.

• Digging/Shoveling: Scooping coal with an imaginary shovel.

• Lifting: Hoisting a heavy bag of coal over the shoulder.

• Wiping the brow: Wiping sweat from the forehead.

• Pushing carts: Pushing a loaded coal cart forward. 

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

​Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist full of bon dance tutorials, examples, and more

Pinterest board with resources to support I AM A BON DANCER

Guest Links and Giveaway

Connect with Brandi, learn more about her work, read her articles, follow her journey and more!

Website
(Find her socials there as well!)

​Please remember there are great ways to support authors (and many of them don't cost a dime!):
​
Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books (*AMAZON, B&N, GOODREADS)
Follow them on socials
​Share their books with others who will enjoy them

​Brandi is offering a copy of her book, I AM A BON DANCER to one lucky winner!  To enter, simply leave a comment below by Saturday evening, Sept. 5, 2026 and you will be added to the drawing!

Shortly after the closing date, I will choose a winner and connect you with Brandi to arrange for your prize

Good luck!